davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16
Writing by Electricity.

The wonderful invention of writing by electricity at distance of fifty miles is thus described by the Pall Mall Ga zette: "Out of the top of a box, which is about the size of an ordinary dls- patch-box, protrudes what has the ap- pearance of stylographic pen. This, however, is not a pen, but the handle of the 'transmitter,' and its. lower end is fixed to light brass perpendicular bar. Any motion given by the hand-you hold it just like psn-to the handle of the transmitter is communicated by this bar to two series of carbon disks con- tained within the box, and, after various adventures among magnets, etc., is carried again to the top ol the box, where it Is reproduced ex
 actly by small nk-holding pen, whose point rests on white paper tape. A clockwork apparatus pulls this tapt along at gentle pace; and after little practice you find that it is quite easy te move the handle of the transmittcr SC that the pen shall write legibly on the moving tape. Now, whatever is writ
 ten on the tape before you is writer simultaneously mile off, or it may bt fifty miles off, on a similar tape, by { similar instrument at the other end O
 of the wire. The instrument is yer, compact, and apparently efficient. The inventor is Mr. John Robeftson, q
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16
Chinese Dread of the Wet.

In western lands it is proverbial saying of one who is peculiarly stupid, 'that he does not know enough to go in when it rains." In China, on tho con- trary, the saying would be altered so as to read: ''He does not know enough to stay in when it rains" and to Chinese the Idea that human being has any functions which can be harmonized with the rapid precipitation of moisture can only be introduced by trepanning. They truly say of the streets and the people in them "When wind blows, one half; 1; rain fall, mono at all." As the Chinese, in their way are particularly practical people, no less so than the Anglo Saxon,
 though less energetic, there must be some good reason for their persistent refusal for centuries to encounter ram. Of the fact there can be no manner of doubt. The Tientsin massacre of 1870 might have been quadrupled in atroc- ity but for timely rain, which de- tered the rowdies already on their way to the settlement. A portable shower would be one of the most perfect de- fences traveller in the hostile sections of China could desire. We arc conf dent that a steady stream of cold water delivered from two-inch nozzle, would disperse the most violent mob ever seen by foreigner ln China, in five minutes of solar time. Grapeshot would be much less cffectual, for many would stop to gather up the spent shot, while cold water is something for which every Chinese, from the Han dynasty down ward entertains the same aversion as cat. Externally or internally admin istered, he regards it as alike fatal
 The remote causes of their deep-seated antipathy to wet weather lie imbedded in the Chinese constitution, but the proxi- mate causes, in our view, are twofold--- the porosity of cotton cloth and the ab- solute scarcity of dirt. To our readers these reasons will, no, doubt appear in- adequate, not to say frivolous; but this, we believe, is because they have not re- fected profoundly on the subject. Why the Chinese should persist in wearing cloth shoes we do not pretend to say, but wear them they certainly do. Damp feet are not only uncomfortable, they are injurious to health. Oiled boots are luxuries for the few, and in seven cases out of eight, he who goes abroad when it rains will do it in cotton cloth shoes, which will be ruined. He has no light sandals. He never washes his feet. Hence it is easier and moro philosophi- cal to stay at home-which he does. -[Tientsin Chinese Times.
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16
How Sea Birds Quench Their Thirst.

The question is often asked, "Whero do sea birds obtain fresh water to slake their thirst9' But we have never seen it satisfactorily answered until a few days ago. An old skipper with whom we were conversing on the subject said that he had seen these birds at sea, far from any land that could furnish them water, lowering around and under a storm cloud, clattering like ducks on a hot day at a pond, and drinking in the drops of rain as they fell. They will smell rain squall hundred miles or even further off, and scud for it with al most inconceivable swiftness.
 How long sea birds can exist without water is only a matter of conjecture, but probably their powers of enduring thirst arc increased by habit, and possibly they go without water for mlny days, if not for several weeks. - Golden Days.
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16
The GrOtesUue in Architecture,

The taste for the grotesque and horrl- ble that leads men to wear skulls for scarf pins and coffins for sleeve buttons, that induces a dainty girl to choose a dress with snakes outlined on 1t, and a metal spider perched at her throat has got into architecture. The writer went to call, and, mounting the steps, laid a hand carelessly on the iron rail that meandered up the stone stoop. It fell on the head of bronze and realistic snake that was coiled round and round the balustrade. The whole row of fine houses had the same sort of approach, and twisting about all the hand rails was the vile serpent, with battened head and baleful eyes, natural and hideous enough to make one afraid to enter or leave the house, It's to be hoped that old Major Jim Jams never rents one of elm; he'll come home some night from the club and break his neck in fit at his own door. --- New York Sun.
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16

glad MT. Stockham was here -ain't you, pa, deara"
 MT. Lamphier looked at his daughter and at John stockham, and at the blackened wall, and at the sercnely- slumbering tramp.
 "Ah, yes" he responded. ''It was fortunate you happened along, Stock ham,"
 There was tinge of irony in his tone, and some grimness in his smile; but Lottie did not mind that-nor did John Stockham.
 They realized that, by a fortunate turn of events, Mir. Lamphicr was de- feated, and made to appreciate and ad- init the fact.
 They cared little for the burned beams; they were not conscious of their dripping clothes; the slumbering tramp seemed an angel in disguise.
 "Well, it's the way to do," Lottie de- clared, few weeks later, when she and John stockham were safely engaged and MT. Lamphier had given them his bless ing, and intimated that he'd thought of taking partner, and that John might possibly do---''it's the way to do. If we'd just stood back as meek as mice, and waited for pa to come round and invite you up to the house-Mercy! l can't bear to think of it!'-[ Saturday Niuht
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16
HUMOROUS
How to serve a dinner-eat it.

How to serve dinner-eat it.
 A sick thief should have his disease arrested.
 Very few persons can hold their own on their first see voyage.
 The book that makes the greatest stir in society is the well-filled pocket book.
 A hotel ''bcat" that is popular with the patrons-the sound of the dinner gong.
 Tho only man that seems to thrive on procrastination is tho one that owes his tailor. The snail is a paradox. It is pro- verbally slow, yet its pace is without bound.
 St. Louis has dog that can tell tho time of day. Sort of watch dog, wo suppose. A Cincinnati exchange says that smoking produces sclfshness It is also good for hams
 Young man-Will you give assent to my marriage with your daughter, sir9 Old man firmly-No, sir, not cent. Tramp-ssI havc lost an arm, sir; will" Passer-by Gin great hurry)-- "Sorry, but haven't seen anything of it."
 ''Why, Nettic, you have put your shoes on the wrong feet" "What will do, mammal They's all the feet I have got"
 The counterfeiter, no matter where he goes, is seldom we'll lodged. At least, it is believed that, where he is, he has bad quarters
 A Belgian scientist says that salt is conducive to longevity. This is round- about way of saying that fresh people are soon killed off. The whale is supposed to reach the age of 1, 900 years. Thus is furnished one more example of the possibility of attaining great age while living on water. An exchange says that a folded news paper placed under the coat in the small of the back, is an excellent substitute for an overcoat. Now is the time to | subscribe. A current paragraph states that 'Mr. Gladstone is sitting for bust" Well, he must be having very quiet time. In this country thousands of people are standing up at counters for bust. A man in Mexico who carried car bine and revolver and tried to kill another man, is described as being 'of gentlcmanly appearance and good ad- dress" If he had carried another re- | volver and bowieknife he might have been looked upon as leader in polite society. "'Tis more blessed to give Than it is to receive;" Of advice and of physic This is true, we believe.
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16
Dining On a Picture.

The early days of Jules Bastien's career were time of struggle and pov erty. He was glad to draw designs fol fashion journal and once he went dowr to Damvillers and painted forty portraits of the villagers. The cost of living, small as his expenses were, was serious matter. For the rent of his little attic study he paid fifty dollars year. He breakfasted upon three sous worth of bread and two of coffee, with milk. For dinner, at franc and half, about twenty seven cents, he went to the res taurant of Madcmoiselle Anna, Rue Saint -Benoit
 In those early days he painted pie ture of apeasant girl walking in forest, in spring, entrapped by Loves who were casting their nets before her feet. This picture was accepted at the Salon in 1873, through the influence of Cabanel, but it was not sold. It was the first painting that Jules Bastien exhibited, and its fate was a curious one. Kind hearted Mademoiscllc Anna understood the needy state of the young artists who visited her restaurant, and Bastien was her favorite. When he lacked the franc and half for diu- ner, she cheerfully gave him credit and finally accepted this picture in payment for years dinners. Afterwards when the name of the artist became famous, she was offered four times the amount of her bill for her painting, but she re fused to part with it, and kept the first work of her protege until her death.- TSt Nicholas
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16
Stories of Cats.

A pair of Siberian kittens belonging to R. T. Wilson of East Nottingham, Pa, have each blue and gray eye, and one of them has g toes.
 The London Field tells of cat that got nailed in under the floor, where she was IA days before released, and had had three kittens. The kittens were we'll nourished, in good condition, with their eyes open. The cat herself was in state of extreme cancellation. Three cats of Cape Ann clubbed their kittens together and placed them in one nest in George B. Shepherds stable. There were 13 of them. Some days two cats would remain at home with the fam lily while another went for food, and at other times but one remained.
 A kitten of Portland, Oregon, was seen to charm rattlesnake. The snake was coiled, and with its head followed every motion of the kitten. The kitten seemed to realize the importance of the | situation, and never allowed her atten- tion to wander from the snake. The snake was killed.
 A cat belonging to Scranton Penn. ) man, is extravagantly fond of organ and guitar music, but let her master play on the violin shc will dart at him as if seized with fit, scratch him viciously and squall as though In great pain. A soon as he lays the violin down she will trot up to him, rub her head and back lovingly against his ankles and pur con- tentedy.
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16

Philadelphia, like New York, IS com plaining that there is a woeful def- cicncy in its public school accommoda- tions. No school census is taken in Philadelphia, but according to the United States census of 1880 there were in the city over 210, 900 children between the ages of 5 and r, which number has been since increased to fully 250, 900. The school authorities estimate that there are fully 13O, 900 children in the city dependent upon public schools fol educational advantages. The total en. rolIment is 10s, 900, SO that over 20, 0O( arc deprived of school facilities. The estimate of 130, 900 is exclusive of those attending private and parochial schools. Evidently Philadelphia needs to spend more money than it does on schoo buildings
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16
A Crane Fishing.

A Maine physician says that one day he saw big crane standing on log that foated near the shore on the Ken -ebec river. The crane had captured a :arge bug, which he dropped into the stream, so that it floated down past him, and then grabbed it and again repeated the performance. He kept this up fol nearly half an hour, and then a pickerel darted up from below after tho bug. This was just what the bird had been waiting for, and the next moment the fish was down his throat, and he wa; winging his way slowly up stream.
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16

A correspondent writing from Mex ico, censures the people of that country for following singular custom. "To the average Mexican," he says, "the idea of death has no terrors, and he dies as indifferently as he has lived. In many villages the custom is still extant of dec orating dead children with the wings of geese and turkeys, paper crowns, rib bons and flowers; then marching them about the streets seated ill chair, and burying them amid the noise of fire crackers and minstrels playing polkas and fandangoes."
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16

An altogether incorrigible thief is be- ing looked after by the Washington po- lice authorities. He is eighty-three years of age, and, on being released from the Baltimore penitentiary after serving out a term for horse stealing,
 was taken to Washington to stand trial for similar offence. At the capital he aroused the sympathy of the court by stating that he intended to reform and wanted to go to his birth place in Texas, and spend the remaining days of his life with his six sons, who, he represented, were in business there. He was given his freedom and also a ticket to New Orleans. It now turns out that he sold the ticket and, after knocking about for awhile, brought up at horse bazaar, where he again embraced an op. portunity to steal horse. The last heard of him was that he sold the ami Hal f~ 70 and ronissory note fol
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16

The chief of police in Los Angeles, Cal, had on his force private detective so private that no one in town, except the chief, knew that he was detective. The other night, disguised as China man, he was sent to Chinese gambling house; and after being admitted he gave a signal to the men on the outside. 1m- mcdiately the Chinamcn bounced on him and gave him thorough mauling and then fled. After they had gone he followed them through hole in the roof, and as he stuck his head out he was seized by policeman, thrown violently to another near the caves, and by him dropped to the ground at the feet of the chief, who seized him. its me, ' gasped the detective, and thus he wa; saved from further injury. He has re. signed.
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16

The London Times says that few weeks ago some excavations at Pompeii brought to light set of surgical instru- monts, many of which resemble instru- ments in use at the present day. Some days later four beautiful silver urns of fair size were found; also four smaller vessels, eight open vases, four cups orna- mented with leaves and figures of ami mals, and very beautiful statue of Jupiter seated on a throne. Besides those silver objects, several gold orna- ments, such as rings, earrings, etc., were also found.
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16
Death Comes Like Gentle Slumber


 A commonly fatal disease has cer- tain benumbing effect on the nerves, so that the dying suffer very little, writes Dr. T. l.. Cuyler. Such has been my observation. I had not thought" said certain good man, 'that it could be so easy to dic" As life ebbs away usually sensibility to pain goes with it. So gently did certain eminent chemist breathe his last that teaspoonful of ! milk which he held in his hand was not even upset-thc dead man held it still. Death is very often slow fading out of the faculties, like the coming on of tranquil twilight. The sense of hearing sometimes remains intensely acute, so that the dying overhear whisper in the rocm ''She is sinking very fast" was whispered by an attendant in the dying chamber of a goodly woman. No, no," was the quick response of her who had overheard the words, 'No, l am not sinking. am in the arms of my Saviour" The sense of sight gen. erally wcakens in tho process of dying. A medical friend of mine said to his wife: "Set that lamp up closer to me; the room seems to be growing dark" Such were the sensations of Dr. Adam, the learned principal of the Edinburg High School, who fancied himself to be in his school-room, and gently mur- murcd: "Boys, it is getting dark; you may go home" Of deaths on the bat tlc-ticld large proportion must be with out severe physical agony, for gunshot wound is apt to numb the sensibilities. When bullet picrccs either the heart or the brain there can be no pain. Probably our glorious martyr, Abraham Lincoln, "nevcr knew what hurt him." Drowning is far from painful. Those who have been rseuscitated tell na tAek l
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16
A South African Town.

''Twelve months ago." says the Cape Argus, johannesburg had no existence beyond the ten shanties of purfectors. To-day Johannesburg is as much town as anything we have to show. It has its wide streets, its hotel its five news papers, and it is peopled with some of the most energetic and buoyant people in South Africa. In no country has there ever been an example of new centre of industry more rapidly estab- fishing itself and impressing itself upon the public mind as one of the perma, nent features of the country"
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16
LullAbyS.

fhe afternoon h fair and still,
 Unveering stand the village vanes, The sunshine sleeps on roof and sill And glances from my neighbours ranes; A languid sense of slumber-cheer
 Broods over all things, calm and mild, And low from OCT the way hear A mother singing to her child. A mothers love in measures thrills The silence of mid-afternoon; The baby's pouting mouth it stills
 That will not ope to cry or croon; Soft folded to that tender breast
 The little head lies reconciled, The songs drift OCT its dreams of rest The mother sings unto her child. No other sounds are in the air,
 And softly falls those drowsy tunes Upon my heart like peace and prayer A lullaby of childish runes; And slumber-strains more low and sweet Have never yet to sleep beguiled, ''Rest, little head, and hands and feet" A mothers singing to her child.
 A. w. Bellows in Yankee Blade.
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16

The royal repast of Don Khan, of Anam, invariably consists of 50 dishes,
 it is stated, aud separate, distinct and particular cook concocts each dish. The correct drink is one made from poppy seeds and aromatic plants, but His Majesty lets it severely alone, and con- tents himself with occasional moisture with the s'real old stuff"
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16
The Biggest Check.

In the negotiations made some years ago by the English government for a loan of eighty million dollars the suc- cessful contractors were the Messrs. Ro' ischild. In paying the first deposit toward this amount to the government t e check they drew was for the sum of six million dollars. This was proba- ply the largest check ever drawn by a private banking house. --- Detroit Free Press.
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16

The Philadelphia Record says that hereafter more attention will be given by employers to the condition of their wage-workers. In the past they have considered their duty ended by payment of wages, but they find it advisable, es- pecially in smaller cities and towns, to take more special interest by way of making better homes.
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16

It is told about a Dakota man that he has invented machine to pump smoke down gopher hole, where 1t is ex- pected it will kill the gopher. The only drawback seems to be that, while you are inserting smoke Tn the hole the gopher went into, he will come out of another and sit up and whistle at you, and tell you he has smoked ever since he was 10 years old.
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16
Transplanting Teeth.

Transplanting teeth has long been successfully performed by several promi- nent dentists without any proclamation. The process is painful, tedious, and re- quires skill and experience. An orifice is bored in the bone, into which the artificial tooth is riv~ted, the gum soon growing naturally around it-lNew York Timsk
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16

President Yillits of the Michigan College says Il lat more than fifty per cent of the graduates of that institution have become farmers. If he is correctly reported, this is remarkable showing, not approached by any other similar school in the country.
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16
Egypt'S Ruler,

The Khedivc of Egypt is a strict mon- ogamist. He lives with his one wife and children a: his palace at Ismalia, near the Nile Bridge. Every morning he rises between 4 and 5 and takes two hours exercise. Between and 8 he drives to the Abdin Palace, where he holds state receptions, receiving tele- grams and attepds to tho affairs of stata
 NTH Ir1S IiS Rr1na
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16
prise.

The cruel punishment of slow death by hanging SO as to stand on the tips of the toes is still extensively inflicted in China. The barbarous custom of conferring honors on widows who commit suicide is also continued,
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16

Mrs Whitney, wife Qf the eecretF of the Navy, has atpdt Concluded to es. tablish 8 school for the training of domestic servants. She thinks f1oo.- 900 would be sufficient for the enter-
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16
Connecticut Western News.
YUBLlSHD AT CANAAN, uTcnFIELD CO.,, CONN.,,
&C BECKLEY, Ettor and Propetr,
Local News a Speciality,
TERMS,

$2o0 per year, if paid strictly h advaaes. H not paid at tho expiration of Shroe months a 36 will be charged
 Subscribers desiring thslr pApsrs diseon- dnued must give notice at the xxlnAf1ox of their subscriptions, any previous notico not being sufncient; and unles au azrsaraGss ars paid paper. wiu not then bs disoooHaued ,ave q ths option of ths puhhshse.
Connecticut western news., 1887-11-16
VOL. XVII.
Transition,

Transition. 'Tis said, In death, upon the face Of Age, momentary trace Of Infancy's returning grace
 Forestalls decay; And here, in Autumn's dusky reign, A birth of blossom seems again To flush the woodlands fading train With dreams of May.
 IJohn B. Tabb in Independent.
Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1887-02-24
The yaIue OF London Lana.

Court Journal: It has been ascer-
sained, with regard to the Imperial in
stitute, that the site of about five acres
recently secured for the new admiralty
and war offices is valued at eS2O, 600. or
rather over el60 900 per acre; that now
vacant IN Charles street, opposite the
India Office, ID less then an acre, and
would cost at .least 9I25,O00; probably
another acre might be secured by pri-
vate contract, GO that tina value Of a
limited site in this position would not
be less than g250.000.
1t has been suggested that q single
acre not far from Oharing Cross might
be obtained for ea24,0O0. Two and a
half acres on Thames embankment have
been offered for e400, 600 and 1t ie stated
that Six acres may be. procured from
Christ's hospital at 100000. Another
good central position has been suggested
consisting OF two and o half acres, which
has been valued at s668,00O.
Even If q reduced price we're accepted,
no site in that direction is to be had tor
less than q quarter OF a million. This
explanation is offered for falling back on
the site which belongs to the commls-
sioners OF the exhibition OF 1851.